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OCEANIQUE
Would the Light Hold Me
(2023 - self release - AUS)

LISTEN and BUY the physical CD:

https://oceanique.bandcamp.com/album/would-the-light-hold-me

With a reverence to giant talents like The Unthanks this comes to my attention and blows in like a hurricane over my head for one of the most amazing full releases I have ever heard. Twins from Melbourne, Australia, these sisters break your heart, make you shed tears, catch your weakness by the bedside, and stun the aural senses for any true listener of grand (aka GREAT) music. I melted the moment the disc began and was a puddle of transported newborn glow worm from there on. And how I still glow from this delicate masterpiece.

I once collected all the gorgeous 'Heavenly Voices' series and this belongs not only to this summit of talent but to a new plateau out in the undiscovered universe. Also coming to mind (and recommended by Oceanique) is another female vocal rooted outfit  Charm of Finches (also from Australia), which will equally sweep over even a stone god.  But to this debut album from 2023 is stunning in its effortless beauty, all the atmosphere created within and around it, and then often simmering in the most delicate sublime warmth ever. And hands down, these twin sisters are a one of a kind act. The telepathic ability they have with each other is obvious, and comes across instantly. Angelic flawless harmonies, swaying in an peaceful island hammock with piano, sometimes sparse arrangements  yet with equal rich instrumentation all to force a tear down the cheek of the listener. This is a constant part of 'Would the Light Hold Me' in all it's glory.  

The full list of credits are:
Music and Lyrics - Maddy and Jess Houston
Produced, Recorded and Mixed - James Newhouse
Mastered - William Bowden
Vocals and Acoustic Guitar - Maddy
Vocals, Piano - Jess
Wurlitzer on tracks 1, 5 & 10 and Harmonium on track 1 - Jess
Double Bass on track 1, 2 & 3 - Lukas Drinkwater
Backing Vocals on tracks 3 & 5 and Bass on track 3, 4, 6, 7 & 11 – James Newhouse
Drums, Percussion, guitar and - James Newhouse  

As you can see, it appears that Maddy and Jess Houston (the twin sisters) could make another album all their own, and it would still be magic in a similar way. Big terms like classic, unreal, and spell binding are appropriate, but add drop dead gorgeous, extraordinary, unbelievable, and out of this world would be clearly deserved accolades. The first piece on the album is partly a cappella, then with gentle combination of both acoustic and reserved electric guitars, along with subtle strings, all in a fusion of folk/tropical/alt country styling, so sweet to the ears you know you are hooked from the beginning. The sparseness only frames the two sister's vocal intimacy and mastery. Occasional hand percussion also goes a green mile to enhance the moment by moment delights.

Oddly, I do not hear a massive amount of hurt in this album less it be 'Time Passes' (track #4) and 'Build A Wall'- Track #7). What I do hear is a clear fresh youthful position on life and a vivid naked ethereal affection to each note these special twins lay down for the world to listen to. I must give distinction to the melancholy verses sad or deep hurt, as this unforgettable album does have a cocoon of that quasi haunting delivery of lyrics that can be interpreted in several ways. All in a meadow of both subtle pastels and all the rest could be an antique black and white photo of emotions larger than life itself. Innocence in a faint sheep's wool moonlight, strong enough to surprise the unaware wolf at the ambush. Oceanique can make you tremble with warm memories, and drop you to your knees with invocation. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and certainly a TOP CHOICE of mine for the 2023 list.
 
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 6 - 20 - 2023
 


 
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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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